Search location by ZIP code

NEWS ARCHIVE

Joyce Mitchell denied parole in scathing decision

Convicted prison tailor Joyce Mitchell has been denied release by New York State's Parole Board.

Share

Shares

Copy Link

{copyShortcut} to copy
Link copied!

Updated: 1:08 PM EST Feb 13, 2017

Wearing a prison jumpsuit and what appeared to be a bulletproof vest, Joyce Mitchell went before a judge Monday for the second time since Friday’s arrest.

Joyce Mitchell denied parole in scathing decision

Convicted prison tailor Joyce Mitchell has been denied release by New York State's Parole Board.

Share

Shares

Copy Link

{copyShortcut} to copy
Link copied!

Updated: 1:08 PM EST Feb 13, 2017

BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. —

Convicted prison tailor Joyce Mitchell has been denied release by New York State's Parole Board.

Mitchell had a parole hearing last week at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in Bedford Hills, New York.

Advertisement

A spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision released a scathing decision by the parole board Monday morning.

The decision stated that Mitchell should not be released "merely as a reward for good conduct or efficient performance of duties while confined."

Mitchell was sentenced in September 2015 to between 2 1/3 and 7 years after admitting to charges of promoting prison contraband. She received an additional one-year for facilitating criminal activity. Mitchell was also ordered to pay $80,000 in restitution for damage done during the escape.

"It is fair to say that your crimes cost New York millions in response to the escape of inmates (Richard) Matt and (David) Sweat that your actions facilitated," the decision stated. "You allowed your common sense and supervisory duties to be compromised by developing unprofessional relationships with Matt and Sweat."

She admitted to helping convicted murderers Matt and Sweat escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora in June 2015. The two were on the run in the North Country for more than three weeks. Matt was shot and killed, Sweat was shot and recaptured.

"You did not tell anyone of escape related requests or plans as events were occurring and offered no reasons for not doing so that neither Judge (Kevin) Ryan nor the board found credible," the decision said. "You present yourself more as a victim than a responsible participant and appear to be emotionally unstable and easily manipulated."

The board said Mitchell's assistance with the investigation consisted of lies and half truths.

"This apparently willful failure to volunteer comprehensive and truthful disclosure of information began during the investigation and continued during your interview with the board," the decision said.

The board said it weighed letters of support written by Mitchell's husband, Lyle, who she said she plotted to have killed after Matt and Sweat's escape.

Mitchell's son and others wrote in her favor, describing "positive qualities."

The parole board said it questioned Mitchell's goal to further her education and work in criminal justice.

"All relevant factors considered, while guided by risk and needs principles, the presumption created in your favor is rebutted by our review of the record and interview that lead us to conclude that if released at this time your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society and that there is a reasonable probability that you would not live and remain at liberty without again violating the law," the decision concluded.

The decision was unanimous.

Mitchell is eligible to reapply for parole after more time served. Her next parole hearing date was scheduled for June.